Buongiorno amici! That’s “Good day friends!” in Italian. As I continue my journey, I’ve just stomped my way from the snowy peaks of Saint Moritz, Switzerland to the charming town of Bormio, Italy, covering a distance of approximately 41.3 kilometers. Quite an adventure for a gnome, I must say!

As I hiked along the serene landscapes, I crossed the border between Switzerland and Italy, and noticed an intriguing shift in language and culture. From the German-speaking Swiss canton of Graubünden to the Italian-speaking Lombardy region, the change was quite palpable.

One observation that took my breath away was the Stelvio Pass. This mountain pass is like a giant in slumber, with its dramatic switchbacks and hairpin turns. It’s been described as “the greatest driving road in the world” by the British television show Top Gear. But for a gnome like me, it’s quite the trek!

“La vita è un viaggio, goditela!” That’s Italian for “Life is a journey, enjoy it!”. And oh, how I’m enjoying this journey! From Vaduz to Davos, Saint Moritz, and now Bormio, I’ve covered an overall distance of 3125.0 kilometers in 112 days.

As I travel, I can’t help but hum the local tunes. A favorite of mine is “Nel blu dipinto di blu”, also known as “Volare”. The lyrics go like this: “Volare, oh, oh! Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh! Nel blu, dipinto di blu, felice di stare lassù…” which means “To fly, oh, oh! To sing, oh, oh, oh, oh! In the blue, painted in the blue, happy to be up there…”. It captures the joy of exploring new horizons, something I can relate to quite well!

Here’s a gnome’s wisdom for you: “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” And I’m glad to have you, my friends, on this journey with me. Stay tuned for more adventures and until then, arrivederci!

Ah, Bormio, a city that whispers tales from the past. The first thing that strikes you about this charming Italian city is the thermal baths. Known as “Le Antiche Terme” (The Ancient Baths), these natural hot springs have been healing locals and visitors alike since the time of the Celts. A dip in these waters, they say, is like being caressed by history itself!

The second treasure of Bormio is its rich legacy of art and culture. The city boasts of an assortment of frescoes painted by Simone Baschenis, the renowned 15th-century Italian artist. His masterpiece in the church of S. Gervasio e Protasio is a sight to behold. As the Italian poet, Ugo Foscolo once said, “Le opere d’arte sono di una solitudine infinita” (Works of art are of an infinite loneliness). And indeed, in Bormio, you can feel that solitary beauty.